UH graduate returns to speak about Filipi(NO) Identity

Former Honolulu Community College lecturer Daniel Eisen will be sharing his presentation “The Distorted Looking Glass: Struggles with the Racialized Self and a Filipi(NO) Identity” on Thursday, February 13, 1:30 p.m. at the campus’ Norman W.H. Loui Conference Center (Building 2, Room 201).

Eisen started his work on the subject of Filipino ethnic identity while earning his PhD in sociology at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. To this day, he continues his research while extending his examination towards the role of education and role models during the process of molding a Filipino ethnic identity.

“The talk is specifically about Filipino identity development, and should be of special interest to our student body at Honolulu Community College and our surrounding neighbors given our large Filipino community in Kalihi and in Hawaiʻi generally,” says Fumiko Takasugi, assistant professor of sociology at Honolulu Community College.

Eisen is currently an assistant professor of sociology and assistant dean of strategic initiatives at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon.

In addition to racial identity construction, Eisen also studies the racial tensions and spatial politics that occur in diverse cultural contexts, specifically focusing on small college campuses similar to Honolulu Community College.

As a result of his research, he is implementing changes to Pacific University’s first year program by creating a more tailored and personalized experience for students.